KitchenAid Australia and New Zealand has taken over the distribution of KitchenAid Major Domestic Appliances (MDA) in ANZ.
KitchenAid is a premium brand within the Whirlpool Corporation portfolio and throughout the world KitchenAid MDA is managed separately to small domestic appliances (SDA). However, Whirlpool ANZ made the decision to move to a full distribution model business so a unique opportunity to jointly manage MDA and SDA was created.
“When we were approached about the opportunity, I knew immediately we were the right business with the right team and had the right brand focus to drive KitchenAid major appliances,” KitchenAid ANZ managing director, Richard Thom told Appliance Retailer.
KitchenAid ANZ managing director, Richard Thom with newly appointed KitchenAid commercial sales manager – MDA, Peter Damevski
KitchenAid plans to support the MDA business with the foundations already in place. Focus areas will be strong marketing to drive the brand message across MDA and SDA, as well as in operations to deliver best practice end to end services.
With this opportunity, the local business hopes to bring a holistic KitchenAid brand experience to customers, with a product offering that incorporates cooktops, ovens and refrigerators in MDA, and breakfast collections, blenders, food processors and the iconic stand mixer in SDA.
For KitchenAid’s retail partners that specialise in both MDA and SDA, over the long-term they will be uniquely positioned to create a destination for the KitchenAid consumer.
As part of the distribution change, Peter Damevski has been appointed commercial sales manager for MDA. He comes with a wealth of experience after spending eight years at Whirlpool. “It’s great to be working with the KitchenAid team and being part of such an iconic brand. It’s an exciting time ahead as we execute expansion strategies and develop new, engaging product for the KitchenAid consumer,” he said.